FEATURE
“My daughter-in-law was driving along with us in a van and would pick me up and take me to a thirty mile or so segment each day,” said McKinless.
“She could find me with her iPhone and I’d just tell her to expect me at point B at a certain time.” McKinless said that the highlight of his trek came when it worked out that he and his family were going to be able to match their paces on a 27-mile stretch from Yankton to Vermillion, S.D., the home of the University of South Dakota (USD) and the Alpha-Gamma Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha. McKinless, who is an active part of the Washington, D.C., area alumni group, has made it a priority in his life and his travels to keep a connection to the brotherhood wherever he may be.
“Cornell has a program for government students and many Lambda Chi brothers have been a part of it, so we make it a point to get to know them and offer support,” said McKinless. During his visit to Vermillion, McKinless stopped by the USD Lambda Chi house, where he found a dozen or so brothers preparing their house for rush. He and the chapter swapped stories and talked about their chapter’s recent or upcoming centennials.
It doesn’t just stop there for the Cornell alum. He’s also made the famed RAGBRAI ride across Iowa with chapter brother Tim Rogan (Cornell 1981), crossed the Natchez Trace with another and even topped mountains overseas, all while making stops at whatever chapter house might be closest.
“When I go on trips, I like to keep getting to know people and I make it a point to look for a Lambda Chi house to visit,” said McKinless. Through his bike riding and connection to Lambda Chi Alpha, McKinless added,
“I have friends of multiple ages because of this; and through visiting these houses, it has been a source of renewal for me. I’ve made new friendships and found plenty with which to share mutual interests even to this day.” Though McKinless admits his son does not share his affinity for
“I have enjoyed introducing my son to my Lambda Chi brothers. He’s definitely met a lot of my favorite young people.”
Greek life, he said that,
To aide McKinless’ son Rich and to help him meet his donation goal of $100,000, please visit biking-for-books.org. For every $10 donation, four books will find their way to underprivileged children.
“The chapter was very very welcoming,” McKinless added.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
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Cross & Crescent October 2014